Researchers who conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the effectiveness of professional topical fluoride application — gels or varnishes — on the reversal treatment of carious lesions found a significant trend of effectiveness of fluoride varnish on the reversal of the lesions. However, further clinical trials concerning efficacy of topical fluorides for treating those lesions are still required, mainly regarding fluoride gel, researchers noted.

“There is no clear evidence supporting the additional benefit of fluoride gel on reversal of active enamel caries lesions subjected to weekly supervised tooth brushing. However, there is an association between the number of inactive enamel lesions and the number of gel applications (the application protocol ranged of 4 up to 8 in the included studies),” said Tathiane Larissa Lenzi, Ph.D., lead author of the review, in an email.

Other highlights in the February issue include research noting the prevalence of erosive tooth wear and associated factors in a group of Mexican adolescents; a study looking at whether sex, race and socioeconomic background matter when it comes to self-reported temporomandibular joint disorder symptoms in children; and an article about children’s weight screening during a dental visit.

The Journal of the American Dental Association, introduced in 1913, is a reliable, peer-reviewed source of information on dentistry and dental science.

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